OVERVIEW OF CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN PSYCHOLOGY

BY NNAGBORO VIVIAN

Some people, including psychology students, are not always aware of the various job opportunities that are available in psychology. This may become a hindrance and not allow them to fully achieve their potential.

On the 19th of July, 2022, Dr. Abel Obosi through his organization Sound Mind Psychological services, took the time to help educate students on the various psychology career opportunities. This was done in an online seminar organized by the NAPS, UI incumbent administration.

He started by giving a general overview of psychology and talked about what is required from a person who intends to study psychology (i.e. the subjects that they would need to have basic knowledge of like Biology). He also mentioned that the person must above everything else have passion and commitment for the course.

Dr. Abel made mention of notable psychology organizations in Nigeria, some of which are located in Ibadan. The organizations include the; Nigerian Psychology Association (NPA), Nigerian Association of Clinical Psychologists (NACP), Nigerian Association of Developmental Psychologists (NADP), and Nigerian Association of Industrial and Organizational Psychologists (NAIOP), etc. He also mentioned some international psychology associations like; Doctors without Borders, American Psychology Association (APA), etc.

Dr. Abel further went on to elaborate on the various forms of job opportunities that psychology offers by dividing them into two categories, Human Services, and Research. Under the human services we have; Clinical Social workers, forensic psychologists, marriage and family therapists, mental health instructors, etc. Under Research we have; an applied statistician, program evaluator, researcher, etc.

He concluded by offering pieces of advice and asking questions that give us something to ponder on for our benefit. The session came to an end after he entertained questions from some of the audience.